Pneumatic Cushion for Sitting, Leaning or Lying Upon

ABSTRACT

The inventive cushions ( 5 ) for sitting, leaning or lying upon are essentially constructed of a pneumatic structure and of a covering that surrounds the pneumatic structure. The pneumatic structure consists of an enclosure ( 2 ) and webs ( 3 ) resulting in the formation of chambers ( 4 ). The pneumatic structure is pressurized whereby tensioning the covering so that the ribbed surface of the pneumatic structure can no longer be clearly perceived. In other embodiments, the cushions ( 5 ) are equipped with means for individual adaptation. They can also be supplemented with reinforcing and stiffening structures. Cushions ( 5 ) can be deformed or moved relative to one another by means of pneumatic actuators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The instant invention pertains to pneumatic cushions, in particular forcushions for sitting, leaning or lying upon according to one of theindependent claims.

2. History of Related Art

All kinds of pneumatic cushions are known. Also, several attempts havebeen made to generate flat structures.

This is achieved in a very simple manner by affixing tubes next to oneanother, each tube having a round cross-section. The traditional airmattress can here be used as an example therefor. As a rule, theindividual tubes are connected with one another so that they form one ortwo contiguous air chambers.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2,748,401 (D1), the tubes are connected with oneanother in such a manner that a part of a tube wall is also a part ofthe tube wall of a second tube. It can thereby be achieved that theindividual tubes move closer together to some degree. Depending on theconfiguration, the individual tubes are located in one or two planes.

However, the disadvantage of D1 is that the surface of the generatedcushions still shows the character of tubes located next to one another,and the comfort of sitting or lying on such a cushion, for example, ishighly affected therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the instant invention to form cushions with a highdegree of comfort, in particular for sitting, lying or leaningthereupon.

With reference to its features, the solution of the object is reflectedin the characterizing part of the independent claims 1, 4, 7, 10 as wellas 15 and 21 and further advantageous features are reflected in thedependent claims. The cushions according to the invention areconstructed of a case and an interior pneumatic structure. The pneumaticstructure has at least one gas-tight chamber and defines the shape ofthe pneumatic cushion. The cushions according to the invention can beused, in particular, in furniture and fixtures, such as chairs, seats,and beds but also in seats of means of transportation, such as vehiclesand aircrafts.

In a first, simplest embodiment group, the pneumatic structure is madeof gas-tight material. The pneumatic structure is essentiallyconstructed of a covering and webs running therein. The entire pneumaticstructure is surrounded by a case. The case is such that it is tensionedby the pressurized pneumatic structure. Due to the fact that thecovering deforms under pressure between the webs in a circulararc-shaped manner, the pneumatic structure acquires a ribbed surface.Due to the tensioned case, the individual ribs can no longer be clearlyperceived, which, for example, significantly increases the seatingcomfort of a cushion, which is designed that way.

In a second embodiment group, the pneumatic structure is constructed insuch a manner that a functional separation can be realized between theshaping means and the gas-tight means. In turn, a case surrounds thepneumatic structure in such a manner that the case is tensioned by thepressurized pneumatic structure.

In a third embodiment group, the pneumatic structure is constructed ofindividual tubes, which are connected with one another. A case is alsoplaced around this embodiment of the pneumatic structure so that thecase is tensioned by the filled pneumatic structure.

It goes without saying that it is also in accordance with the inventionto combine the various embodiments of the pneumatic structure with oneanother in a cushion, for example a cushion for lying upon.

To further increase comfort, the pneumatic cushions can also be equippedwith actuators, which can also be of a pneumatic nature. An adaptationto individual requirements is made possible therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the flexible protective helmet of thepresent invention may be obtained by reference to the following DetailedDescription, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings,wherein:

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate three embodiments of a first embodiment group ofpneumatic cushions in cross-section;

FIGS. 4 to 8 illustrate four embodiments of a second embodiment group ofpneumatic cushions in cross-section;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate two embodiments of a third embodiment group ofpneumatic cushions in cross-section;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate two ergonomically adapted embodiments;

FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate a first pneumatic actuator;

FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate further pneumatic actuators; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a vehicle seat constructed of the precedingstructures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a first embodiment group.The first embodiment group comprises all of the embodiment forms,wherein webs 3 are affixed within a gas-tight covering 2. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the webs run from an upper side of thecovering 2 to a lower side. The webs prevent therewith the freeexpansion of the covering in vertical direction. The chambers 4 formedby the webs can be fluidically connected with one another or can formcompartments, which are separated from one another. For example, thewebs can run almost up to the edge of a cushion 5 so that the cushion 5consists of a single air chamber. It goes without saying that the webscan also be interrupted or can comprise openings. The use ofair-permeable materials for the webs 3, in particular textiles, alsoleads to chambers 4, which are connected with one another. If the webs 3are to form chambers 4, which are sealed among one another, they must bearranged in the covering 2 in such a manner that their entirecircumference is connected with the covering 2. The webs 3 can beconnected with the covering 2 by means of gluing or welding, forexample. Preferably, sparsely flexible materials, such as PU, are usedfor the webs 3 and for the covering 2. The covering 2 is surrounded by acase 1. When filling the pneumatic structure, i.e. the covering 2 withits webs 3, the circumference of the structure increases, whereby thecase 1 is tensioned. The more tensioned the cover 1, the less theindividual chambers can still be perceived. The tension in the case 1can still be increased, if the circumference of the relaxed case isslightly less than the circumference of the filled pneumatic structure,i.e. if the case 1 is pretensioned.

If the pneumatic structure is pressurized, the covering 2 deformsbetween two webs essentially in a circular arc-shaped manner. Thehardness of the structure is determined by the tension in the covering2. Let:

σ∝ρ*r  (1)

where:

-   -   σ=tension    -   ρ=pressure    -   r=radius of a section of the covering 2 running between two webs

A dimensional approach of the equation (1) yields the dimension

$\frac{N}{m} = {\lbrack\sigma\rbrack = {\left\lbrack {\rho*r} \right\rbrack = {\frac{N}{m^{2}}*m}}}$

for the tension σ, i.e. a force per unit of length, which is a goodapproximation for thin layers, such as the materials or foils, which areconsidered here. The tension σ can thus be regulated via the pressure pas well as via the radius r, whereby the radius r is predefined by theconstruction. The only free parameter of a finished cushion 5 is thepressure ρ. In its basic principles, these considerations also hold truefor the following exemplary embodiments.

In FIG. 2 the webs are partially embodied in a double-walled manner. Ifthe gaps in the webs 3 are pressurized with a pressure ρ₂, ρ₂>ρ₁, theydeform and shorten the webs 3. This results in a deformation of thecovering 2. The shape of a cushion 5 with such adaptive webs 3 can thusbe adapted to individual requirements to a certain extent.

The embodiment in FIG. 3 largely corresponds to the shape described inFIG. 1. Additionally, an essentially horizontal web 3 is affixed in thepneumatic structure. The web 3 forms chambers in two layers. It goeswithout saying that adaptive webs 3 can also be used here horizontallyand/or vertically, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In a second embodiment group, a functional separation is carried outbetween the means, which are responsible for the shape of a cushion 5,and the gas-tight means, which are to be pressurized. The two exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 are similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 3.However, the covering 2 and the webs 3 can now be manufactured from anysparsely flexible material. Gas-tight tubes 6 are now placed into thechambers 4, which are formed by the covering 2 and the webs 3. If thetubes 6 are pressurized, the chambers fill and thus stretch the covering2 and the webs 3. The tubes can now consist of any gas-tight material,for example a flexible material. There is no danger of overexpansion,because the expansion of the tubes is limited by the covering 2 and thewebs 3. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the webs can here also partly bemanufactured in a double-walled manner. As is the case in the chambers4, a gas-tight tube 6 can then also be placed into the webs. This leadsto the same adaptive effect as described above.

The embodiments in FIGS. 6 and 7 differ from those of FIGS. 4 and 5 inthat the covering 2 and the webs 3 are replaced by pockets 7 with joints8. Each tube 6 is arranged in its own pocket 7. It goes without sayingthat the basic principle of the invention also includes configurationswith a plurality of tubes 6 in a pocket 7. The pockets 7 are connectedwith one another at joints 8. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the joints are such thatthey assume the entire area of the webs 3, which are present in FIGS. 4and 5. It goes without saying that the joints 8 can also be affixed onlyin subareas of the formerly present webs or at other locations, forexample between the case 1 and the pockets. Sewing, gluing, and welding,for example, are suitable connection methods.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show embodiments of a third group. Here, the covering 2and the webs 3 are dispensed with. Gas-tight tubes are directlyconnected with one another by means of welding or gluing, for example.As previously described, the joints 8 can be present in large areas oronly at few locations. For example, tubes 6 can be placed between welds,so that an adaptive cushion 5 is formed. It goes without saying thatthis embodiment can also be embodied in only a single layer. Likewise, astaggered arrangement of the chambers 4 can be achieved in thepreviously described embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 9.

It is a part of the basic principle of the invention that the pneumaticstructure of a cushion 5 can be constructed of a combination of thepreviously described embodiments. For example, embodiments with andwithout tubes can be combined, that is to say, in particular,embodiments of the first embodiment group of FIGS. 1 to 3 withembodiments of the second embodiment group of FIGS. 4 to 9. Furthermore,features of an embodiment can be included in another embodiment orfeatures of the described embodiments can be combined to newembodiments.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment, wherein two layers of chambers 4are arranged, whereby pressure, here being less, which differs from thepressure supplied to the lower layer, is supplied to the upper layer. Inthe case of a seat cushion 5, the sinking depth into the cushion 5 canbe influenced therewith, without the cushion having to act hard at thesurface. This principle can be generalized without limitations and canbe transferred to the other embodiments. As a matter of principle, it ispossible and included in the basic principle of the invention, topressurize each chamber 4 or each tube 6 with an individual pressure.

As a further non-illustrated option, it is possible and in accordancewith the invention to integrate a functional intermediate layer into thecushions 5, for example between the pneumatic structure and the case 1.Such an intermediate layer can assume various functions. A pad, forexample, can be affixed as an intermediate layer. In response to acomplete pressure loss, the padding effect of the cushion can at leastprovisionally be maintained with it. Furthermore, it is possible toaffix an air-permeable intermediate layer, below the case 1, for examplein the form of a distance-woven fabric. Such an intermediate layerallows for an aeration and conditioning of the air of a cushion,independent of the pneumatic structure. Likewise, it is in accordancewith the invention to affix an intermediate layer with hygienicfunctions. Perspiration and odor-absorbing means, for example, can bearranged in such an intermediate layer. In addition, this intermediatelayer can be detachable so that it can easily be cleaned or disinfected.

As mentioned in the introduction, the cushions 5 are constructed from apneumatic structure together with a case 1, which surrounds them. As caneasily be recognized by the person of skill in the art, it goes withoutsaying that a cushion 5 without the case 1 can solely be shaped from thepneumatic structure.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show top views onto seat cushions 5, for example. FIGS.13 to 18 illustrate pneumatic actuators, which serve to move or deformthe cushions 5 according to the invention so that a further adaptationto individual requests is made possible. All of the embodiments of thepneumatic structure illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 18 represent a limitedselection and serve only for the purpose of exemplification. It goeswithout saying that each of the pneumatic structures can be combinedwith each of the pneumatic structures.

The pneumatic structures shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are to clarify thatthe webs 3 or the tubes 6 do not only run straight, but that they canalso assume curved or closed shapes. The pneumatic cushions can thus beergonomically optimized. For example, the structure of the pneumaticcushion can thus already be optimized for the weight exerted by a seatedperson or by a lying person. It goes without saying that the basicprinciple of the invention also includes imaginative configurations ofthe webs 3. A limitation to webs 3 running in parallel or orthogonallyto one another is not in agreement with the basic principle of theinvention.

With the pneumatic actuators, illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 18, thecushions 5 can be moved as a whole or their shape can be changed, whichmakes possible a further type of adaptation to the individual requestsor requirements. It goes without saying that the same adaptations canalso be achieved with non-pneumatic actuators.

The actuator illustrated in FIG. 13 is affixed to a fixed structure 30by means of a fastener 31. A flexible plate 32 is affixed to thefastener 31, for example by means of screws 33. The flexible plate canbe made of plastic, a metal or another spring steel, for example. Apressurized pouch is affixed between the fastener 31 and the flexibleplate 32.

FIG. 14 shows the first actuator from FIG. 13 arranged between apneumatic structure, which surrounds the actuator. If the pouch 34 ispressurized, as illustrated in FIG. 15, it deforms and pushes the freeend of the flexible plate 32 away from the fastener 31 and bends andtensions the same. With this deformation, the pneumatic structure isslightly widened in the plane of the figure. In response to adischarging of the pouch 34, the elastic plate again assumes itsrelaxed, straight initial shape. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the case 1can surround the pneumatic structure together with the first actuator.However, it is also in accordance with the invention if only thepneumatic structure is surrounded. In further alternatives, a cushion 5can be affixed to only the elastic plate 32, or a cushion 5 can beaffixed to a respective side of the actuator.

In a further non-illustrate alternative, the fastener can also at leastpartially consist of a flexible plate 32, for example. It is also inaccordance with the invention to use an essentially inflexible plate,instead of the flexible plate 32 used in FIG. 14, and to press the sameagainst the fastener 31 by means of springs, for example, and to clampthe pouch between the plate and the fastener 31.

In the second actuator illustrated in FIG. 16, two plates 37 are coupledwith one another by means of a hinge 38. A plurality of pouches 34 ispreferably arranged between the plates. The pouches 34 are held inposition by means of vanes 39. If the pouches 34 are pressurized, theyexpand and open the plates at their free ends. Depending on where andhow the actuator is arranged, it closes automatically, when the pouchesare discharged or additionally affixed spring elements, for example,actively close the actuator. Opening angles of 90° and above arepossible with the second actuator. It is thus suitable for changing theposition of the cushions 5 to one another.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a further type of pneumatic actuators. They consistof a flexible base plate 41, which has a plurality of ribs 42. Aplurality of essentially parallel grooves is formed by the ribs 42.

A tube 6 is arranged in each groove. The tubes 6 are dimensioned in sucha manner that, when pressurized, they fill the grooves and push thegrooves against the ribs 42. With an increasing pressure, the tubes 6push the ribs 42 apart at their free ends, which causes the base plateto bend. If the pressure is discharged from the tubes, the base plateagain assumes its initial shape. The embodiment of FIG. 17 can be benton one side, the embodiment of FIG. 18 can be bent on two sides,depending on which of the tubes is pressurized. Cushions 5 affixed tothese actuators can be adaptively bent, which can be used, for example,for an adaptation of a back of a chair in the lumbar region.

FIG. 19 shows a bucket seat 44 for a passenger vehicle constructed ofthe above-described pneumatic components. The bucket seat is assembledfrom a plurality of pneumatic cushions 5. The individual cushions 5 areoptimized for their function. Some have actuators, others have adaptivewebs 3, and again others have both or none of the adaptive enhancements.A basic structure, to which the individual components of the bucket seatare attached, is not illustrated. Likewise, the actuators are notillustrated. Furthermore, the cases 1 are missing, so that the pneumaticstructure of the individual cushions 5 is visible.

The seat cushion 45 of the bucket seat 44 is structurally optimized forthe straining by a seated person. Depressions, which can still beadapted with double webs, are arranged in the area of the buttocks andof the thighs. A thigh support 47 is pivotably coupled at the front endof the seat cushion 45. The thigh support can be pivoted into apreferred position by means of an actuator as in FIG. 16. Leg guidingcushions are affixed to the left and the right of the seat cushion 45.They can be laterally attached to the legs by means of an actuator, ofFIG. 16, for example. In particular when driving around bends, a personis kept in the seat and supported. The backrest of the bucket seat 44 isdivided into a plurality of areas. A lordosis cushion 46 forms thelowermost area. The lordosis cushion 46 can be deformed and/or pivotedwith an actuator according to FIG. 17, 18 or 13, for example. A backcushion 50 extends essentially across the area of the thoracic spine.Side supports 49 are affixed to the side of the back cushion 50. Asillustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, they can be moved towards the center ofthe backrest, for example. This results in a lateral guide and support,which can be adapted to the width of a person's back. A shoulder cushion51 and a head support 52 forms the upper part of the backrest.

If such a seat is used as a passenger seat, for example, cushions 5 canalso be affixed for supporting or guiding the lower legs and feet.

As the example of the bucket seat illustrates, the various embodimentsof the cushions 5 can be arbitrarily combined with one another. They canbe adapted to and optimized for a specific purpose. Various possiblefields of application open up for use in the field of passengertransportation, at home or for sports. The combination of the cushions 5with actuators permit yet a further field of application. The basicprinciple of the invention includes the connection of theabove-described pneumatic structures and actuators with a suitable linesystem and valve system so that the various components can be correctlypressurized or so that the pressures in the components can be controlledand monitored.

1. A pneumatic cushion (5), in particular for sitting, lying or leaningupon, constructed of a pneumatic structure consisting of a covering (2)being air-tight and capable of being pressurized, in which webs (3) runbetween the upper side and the lower side, and in which chambers (4) areformed, characterized in that the pneumatic structure is enclosed by acase (1) in such a manner that the case (1) is tensioned by the covering(2), which is pressurized with pressure ρ₁.
 2. The pneumatic cushion (5)according to patent claim 1, characterized in that at least part of thewebs (3) of the pneumatic structure is embodied in a double-walledmanner so that at least one gap is formed, which deforms whenpressurized with a pressure ρ₂, ρ₂>ρ₁, and which shortens thedouble-walled web (3).
 3. The pneumatic cushion (5) according to one ofpatent claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least part of thecovering (2) of the pneumatic structure is embodied in double-walledmanner so that at least a gap is formed, which deforms when pressurizedwith a pressure ρ₂, ρ₂>ρ₁, and which shortens the double-walled covering(2).
 4. The pneumatic cushion (5) according to one of patent claims 1 to3, characterized in that at least one horizontal web (3) is present inthe pneumatic structure so that at least two layers of chambers (4) areformed.
 5. The pneumatic cushion (5), in particular for sitting, lyingor leaning upon, constructed of a pneumatic structure consisting of acovering (2), in which webs (3) run between the upper side and the lowerside, and in which chambers (4) are formed, characterized in that thepneumatic structure further consists of gas-tight tubes (6), at leastone of which is arranged in each chamber (4), the pneumatic structure isenclosed by a case (1) in such a manner that the case (1) is tensionedby the tubes (6), which are pressurized with pressure ρ₁.
 6. Thepneumatic cushion according to patent claim 5, characterized in that atleast a part of the webs (3) of the pneumatic structure is embodied indouble-walled manner so that a gap is formed, in which a tube (6) can bearranged, which deforms when pressurized with a pressure ρ₂, ρ₂>ρ₁, andwhich shortens the double-walled web (3).
 7. The pneumatic cushion (5)according to patent claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least part ofthe covering (2) of the pneumatic structure is embodied in double-walledmanner so that at least a gap is formed, in which a tube (6) can bearranged, which deforms when pressurized with a pressure ρ₂, ρ₂>ρ₁, andwhich shortens the double-walled covering (2).
 8. The pneumatic cushion(5) according to one of patent claims 5 to 7, characterized in that atleast one horizontal web (3) is present in the pneumatic structure sothat at least two layers of chambers (4) are formed.
 9. The pneumaticcushion (5), in particular for sitting, lying or leaning upon,characterized in that it is constructed of a pneumatic structureconsisting of a plurality of pockets (7) arranged next to one another,each of which is connected with the adjacent pockets, and a tube (6)made of gas-tight material, which is capable of being pressurized andbeing arranged in each of the pockets (7), a case (1) enclosing thepneumatic structure in such a manner that the case (1) is tensioned bythe tubes (6), which are pressurized.
 10. The pneumatic cushion (5)according to patent claim 9, characterized in that the pneumaticstructure has at least two layers of pockets (7) with tubes (6) and inthat the pockets (7) of the various layers are connected with oneanother.
 11. The pneumatic cushion (5) according to patent claim 10,characterized in that the tubes (6) of the pneumatic structure arearranged in various layers staggered to one another.
 12. The pneumaticcushion (5), in particular for sitting, lying or leaning upon,characterized in that it is constructed of a pneumatic structureconsisting of tubes (6) being arranged next to one another in at leastone layer, which are at least partially connected to one another attheir contact points, a case (1) enclosing the pneumatic structure insuch a manner that the case (1) is tensioned by the tubes (6), which arepressurized.
 13. The pneumatic cushion (5) according to one of patentclaims 3, 6, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the tubes (6) or chambers(4) of the pneumatic structures can be pressurized with variouspressures in various layers.
 14. The pneumatic cushion (5) according toone of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the webs (3),the pockets (7) or the tubes (6) of the pneumatic structures can havebent and closed shapes.
 15. The pneumatic cushion (5), in particular forsitting, lying or leaning upon, characterized in that the pneumaticstructure is constructed, on the one hand, of one or a plurality ofareas, wherein shaping webs (3) are affixed in the covering (2) so thatchambers (4) are formed, and, on the other hand, of one or a pluralityof areas, wherein webs (3) are arranged in the covering (2) in such amanner that tubes (6) can be arranged in the chambers (4), which areformed.
 16. The pneumatic cushion (5) according to one of the precedingpatent claims, characterized in that the pneumatic structure isconstructed of a combination of at least two different pneumaticstructures of the preceding claims.
 17. An actuator for pneumaticcushions according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatit is pneumatically actuated.
 18. The actuator according to patent claim17, characterized in that a flexible plate (32) is affixed to a fastener(31), in that a pouch (34), which is arranged between the fastener (31)and the flexible plate (32), bends the flexible plate (32) whenpressurized and pushes its free end to the side away from the fastener(31).
 19. The actuator according to patent claim 17, characterized inthat at least one pneumatic pouch (34) is arranged between two plates(37), which are coupled to one another by means of a hinge (38), saidpneumatic pouch (34) is held in its position by means of a vane (39)and, when pressurized, presses the plates (37) open at their free ends.20. The actuator according to patent claim 19, characterized in that aplurality of pouches (34) and a plurality of vanes (39) are arrangedbetween the plates (37).
 21. The actuator according to patent claim 17,characterized in that a flexible base plate (41) has a plurality ofessentially parallel ribs (42), resulting in the formation of aplurality of grooves, in that a gas-tight tube is arranged in eachgroove so that the tubes (6) fill the grooves when pressurized and, inparticular, push the grooves against the free ends of the ribs (42),which results in a bending of the base plate (41).
 22. The actuatoraccording to patent claim 21, characterized in that the ribs (41) andthe tubes (6) can be present at one or at both sides of the base plate(41).
 23. A pneumatic chair or seat with cushions (5) for sitting, lyingor leaning upon according to one of patent claims 1 to 16, and actuatorsaccording to one of patent claims 17 to 22, characterized in that thepneumatic chair or seat is divided into a plurality of areas, forexample into ergonomic and functional areas, and in that at least onecushion (5), the pneumatic structure of which is optimized for therespective function, is present for each of these areas.
 24. Thepneumatic chair or seat according to patent claim 23, characterized inthat the cushions (5) are combined to a seat, in particular a bucketseat, for a vehicle and in that a combination of a plurality of cushions(5) is present, for example in the shape of seat cushions (45), lordosiscushions (46), thigh support (47), leg guide cushions (48), sidesupports (49), back cushions (50), shoulder cushions (51), head support(52), feet cushions or support, lower leg cushions or support, wherebythe individual cushions can be adaptable and can be equipped withactuators.